Ivy whimpered as the hefty security guard dragged her into the street. She pursed her lips, refusing to let her emotions spill.


    She couldn''t believe it-Cheryl, of all people, had caused this humiliation. When had she changed? How had Ivy not noticed?


    Cheryl''s betrayal hurt, still Ivy couldn''t process it.


    Ivy sighed, making her way down the street. If Lily & Styles wouldn''t have her, she''d spend the money elsewhere. After a short walk, she found Reginald''s.


    She had heard nice things about Reginald''s but had never checked it out. Gathering her courage, she pushed the door open. She scanned the space, and found the blonde receptionist. But before Ivy could reach her, another woman intercepted her.


    "Hello, I''m Lucy. How can I help you?" The woman smiled, but her eyes were anything but kind.


    A blush crept up Ivy''s face as she remembered Winnie''s incident. "I have a ck card," she said quickly, desperate to avoid further embarrassment.


    Lucy folded her arms, a mocking smile yed on her lips. "Oh, the fake card? You don''t even have the owner''s number."


    Ivy''s eyes widened. "How did you"


    "Oh, darling." Lucy interrupted, her tone dripping with derision. "We share stories. I bet Winnie''s already warned half the stores about you. Just go home. No one''s falling for your act."


    "What?" Ivy whispered, her face flushing with humiliation. At least Lucy kept her voice low enough to avoid drawing attention.


    Lucy leaned in, wrapping an arm around Ivy''s shoulder. "Find something else to do with your life. I''m sure you can." She patted Ivy on the cheek before gesturing to the exit. "Now, off you go before you offend our esteemed clients."


    Once outside, Ivy dabbed her welling tears. She sniffled, still refusing to break down in public.


    There was nothing to do now, she didn''t have Ss''s number, and she didn''t even know the way to his house. She was contemting her next move when a car pulled up beside her, and Bud, the hefty bodyguard, stepped out.


    "Nothing good here either?" he asked, his deep voice tinged with concern.


    Relief swept over Ivy as she saw him, and with it came the tears she had been holding back all day. She buried her face in her palms, sobbing gently. Grateful to see him.


    Bud handed her a tissue.


    "They wouldn''t sell me anything, Ivy murmured, realizing how pathetic she sounded.


    Bud''s expression hardened. "Are we going back to the first ce or staying here?"


    "I can''t," she said, shaking her head in shame. She couldn''t possibly go back to Lily & Styles or Reginald''s, she couldn''t handle one more dig


    Bud sighed, his tone firm. "Wipe your tears, ma''am. We''re going into Reginald''s"


    "No, I just want to go home," Ivy replied.


    "Boss''s orders are to make sure you shop. I can''t defy him."


    Reluctantly. Ivy nodded. Together, they walked back into the Reginald''s. Lucy''s eyes narrowed the moment she saw them.


    "I told you, you can''t shop here," she said, her annoyance clear.


    "You have no right to say that," Bud countered, walking protectively behind Ivy. "She gets what she wants.


    Laly folded her arms, pouting her mouth. "You didn''t have to add a bodyguard to your charade. Leave before I call the police."


    Bud''s eyes shed with anger. "Unless you want Ss Stone to burn this building to the ground for refusing to let his wife shop, I suggest you fix your tone"


    Shock flickered across Lucy''s face and then resolution. "Fine," she sighed. "You can shop."


    "Fix your tone," Bud snapped, and Lucy flinched


    "Wee to Reginald''s, Mrs. Stone." Lucy said, her voice quaking with fear. "Please, allow me to show you our unique and exquisite collection.


    Ivy shot Bud a grateful nce before following Lucy. An hourter, Ivy had filled


    the car with more boxes and bags than she had ever imagined.


    As she sat in the car, her green eyes glistened with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered.


    Bud gave her a small nod, his eyes softening in the rearview mirror.


    When Ivy arrived at Ss''s house, Monica was waiting with two other women, who quickly helped her with the shopping bags.


    "Mr. Stone has gone back to work, Monica informed her with a kind smile. "He asked me to tell you to get ready-he''ll be picking you up at 8 for dinner. Don''t worry. I''ll help you dress."


    Ivy returned her smile, following Monica to her room. Inside, a tray of food awaited, and her stomach gave a betraying growl as her eyes Janded Janded on the table.


    "I figured all those hours of shopping would leave you exhausted," Monica said as she ced the bags at the foot of Ivy''s bed. "I''ll have a hot bath prepared for you. Just let me know when you''re ready."


    Overwhelmed to speak, Ivy nodded.


    "Mr. Stone has also left a special surprise in your closet, Monica smiled. "I''ll leave


    you to it," she said, departing the room


    As soon as the door closed behind Monica, Ivy released the breath she didn''t realize she had been holding. Her emotions were i turmoil, and she didn''t know how to process everything that had happened.


    in


    She approached the tray of food and began eating, devouring as much as her stomach could take. Afterward, she rested on the bed until Monica returned to help her prepare for the evening-


    The surprise Ss had left in the closet was breathtaking-


    -a delightful ck gown and a diamond-cut ne. Ivy''s breath caught when she saw them. The gown was a long, sheer piece with a


    knee-high slit. The neckline was designed with intricate turquoise


    beadwork that subtly sparkled under the light.


    When she wore the gown with the ne, the ensemble clung to her figure perfectly, enhancing her curves. Monica helped style her brown hair and even applied light makeup toplete the look.


    "You look stunning, ma''am," Monica whispered, stepping back to admire her. Ivy blushed. "Thank you"


    Monica smiled and led her downstairs where Ss was waiting. He was dressed in a ck suit that matched her gown. His eyes widened when he saw her, and they lingered on her exposed thigh.


    "You look incredible,” he said dreamily, causing Ivy to melt. "I could kiss you right now." His hand touched her skin as he helped her down the stairs, sending a


    shiver through her.


    Ivy could only blush.


    The car ride was swift, with Ssplimenting her, unable to keep his eyes-or hands-off her. When they arrived at their destination, Ivy was enthralled at the sight of the house.


    "It''s beautiful," she said as Ss helped her out of the car.


    "I know. Thomas is such a show off." Ss teased


    He led her into the backyard which was decorated elegantly. There was a long


    tableden with food.


    "Where''s everyone?" Ivy asked, looking around.


    Before Ss could answer, a familiar voice rang out


    "Hey, Ivy," Rosie called.


    10.15 AM


    As Ivy turned, she felt a sudden tug on her gown. Before she could react, she


    heard the sharp sound of fabric tearing


    Her eyes widened. Looking down, she froze in disbelief. The knee-high slit of her gown had ripped all the way up to her waist, leaving her thighs embarrassingly exposed.


    She was almost naked!


    AD